Suzanne Somers, the beloved actress best known for her role as Chrissy Snow on the iconic television show Three’s Company, made an indelible mark on pop culture. However, her life and career were not without their challenges. Behind the scenes, Suzanne had a complicated relationship with her Three’s Company co-star Joyce DeWitt, which became strained over the years. Despite their differences, the two eventually reconciled, but it took many years for them to heal their bond. In the final years of Suzanne’s life, she opened up about the relationship she had with Joyce before her passing.
Suzanne Somers: A Journey of Struggles and Triumphs
Born Suzanne Marie Mahoney on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, Suzanne Somers faced a difficult childhood. She grew up in an abusive environment, where her father’s alcoholism led to emotional abuse. Suzanne later revealed that her father often belittled her, calling her “stupid” and “worthless.” This abuse left lasting scars on Suzanne, but it also shaped her into a resilient individual who found strength in adversity.
Despite the painful start to her life, Suzanne used her experiences to drive her forward. She often spoke about how negative experiences could be used as motivation. “We all have moments where your life can fall apart, or you can use it like judo — using forward energy to win,” she once said.
The Breakthrough Role: Three’s Company
Suzanne’s big break came when she was cast in Three’s Company, a sitcom that would make her a household name. Playing Chrissy Snow, a bubbly and often naive character, Suzanne gained fame and captured the hearts of millions of viewers. Her comedic timing and charm made her an essential part of the show, and her rise to fame seemed unstoppable.
However, success came with its own challenges. In the midst of her growing fame, Suzanne faced a difficult decision when she asked for a substantial pay raise during her time on Three’s Company. She demanded a 500% increase, asking for the same salary as her male co-star, John Ritter. Unfortunately, the show’s producers rejected her request, leading to a highly publicized dispute. Ultimately, Suzanne was fired from the show, and her character, Chrissy, was written out of the series.
In the years that followed, Suzanne faced a difficult career trajectory. Her time on the top-rated show left her with a difficult reputation in Hollywood, and landing roles became increasingly challenging. She admitted that after her firing, she struggled with feelings of low self-esteem, which she described as a “year in absolute grief.”
The Rift Between Suzanne and Joyce DeWitt
During their time on Three’s Company, Suzanne and Joyce DeWitt had a strained relationship. While the two actresses worked closely together, their professional differences often spilled over into their personal lives. Suzanne’s boldness and business acumen clashed with Joyce’s more reserved approach to her career. According to Joyce, their differences were rooted in their contrasting needs and personal situations. Joyce was not supporting a family on her own, nor did she have the same business-minded approach as Suzanne.
After Suzanne’s departure from Three’s Company, the rift between the two actresses deepened. Suzanne expressed in interviews that she felt abandoned by her former co-stars, and she never spoke to anyone from the show again. Meanwhile, Joyce continued to focus on her own career, which included taking on different roles in television and theater.
Despite their differences, there was always a sense of unresolved tension between Suzanne and Joyce. The two did not speak for many years after the show ended, and it seemed as though their relationship was permanently fractured.
Reconciliation After Decades
However, time has a way of healing wounds, and after 30 years of separation, Suzanne and Joyce finally reunited in 2012. The reunion took place on Suzanne’s talk show Breaking Through, where the two actresses had an honest and heartfelt conversation about their past. The reunion was a significant moment for both of them, as they reflected on their different paths and the impact Three’s Company had on their lives.
Joyce expressed her gratitude for the opportunities that the show provided, saying, “I have relentlessly said that it is my opinion that the only reason Three’s Company is worth remembering is that it created an opportunity for all of us to laugh together, to celebrate joy.” She acknowledged the challenges Suzanne faced and praised her for overcoming adversity. “You went up against ruthlessness, and it came down,” Joyce said. “What you’ve gone on to do is immeasurable.”
Suzanne also shared her perspective, acknowledging that she may have rubbed people the wrong way during her career. “In a group of serious actors, I probably pissed you all off,” she said with humor.
This reconciliation marked the end of decades of silence between the two co-stars. They parted ways on good terms, both appreciative of their shared history and the lessons learned from their time on Three’s Company.
Suzanne’s Passing and Joyce’s Tribute
In 2023, Suzanne Somers passed away after a long battle with cancer. Her death marked the end of an era for her fans and the entertainment world. In the wake of her passing, Joyce DeWitt expressed her grief and paid tribute to her late friend and colleague.
“My heart goes out to Suzanne’s family,” Joyce said in a statement to People. “They are a very close family — deeply connected and caring one to the other. I can only imagine how difficult this time is for all of them.” Joyce also shared her thoughts on Suzanne’s legacy, saying, “I’m sure Suzanne was greeted by Angels into the loving wisdom waiting for all of us on the other side, and I hope that will assist her family’s hearts in healing as they travel through this difficult time.”
Joyce’s tribute reflected the bond they had shared, despite the years of separation and tension. It was clear that, by the end of her life, Suzanne had made peace with the past and had found forgiveness, both for herself and others.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Suzanne Somers
Suzanne Somers’ life and career were filled with ups and downs, but she will always be remembered for her incredible contributions to television and her resilience in the face of adversity. Her reunion with Joyce DeWitt, decades after their strained relationship, serves as a reminder that time can heal even the deepest wounds.
While Suzanne may no longer be with us, her legacy lives on through her work, her strength, and the relationships she forged along the way. The reconciliation between Suzanne and Joyce is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the importance of making peace with the past, no matter how long it takes.
